I ran from my wedding in a dress and heels, my heart pounding in my chest. The voice behind me, familiar and angry, sent shivers down my spine. “Skylar, stop!” I knew that tone, the one that said I was in trouble. It was the same voice that had belittled me, that had gripped my wrist tight, leaving bruises.
As I sprinted through the hotel corridors, the endless hallways seemed like a maze. I finally reached my sister Junie’s door, desperate for refuge. But when she opened it, I realized I might have made a grave mistake. Junie wasn’t close to me, given our different upbringings, but she was the only one I thought wouldn’t judge me.
However, things took a dark turn when I overheard Junie and my fiancé, Derek, discussing their plan to manipulate me into marrying him so they could get their hands on my father’s house, a gift meant for me. The house held sentimental value, as my father and I had planted an apple tree there when I was seven. I felt betrayed and trapped.
Just as Derek was about to catch me eavesdropping, Ethan, the stranger whose room I had hidden in earlier, appeared out of nowhere. It turned out he had followed me to the wedding, and upon realizing what was happening, he recorded the conversation between Junie and Derek, saving me from their trap. He even sent the recording to my mother, who finally saw the truth about Derek and her other daughter’s scheme.
With my mother’s support, I was able to reclaim my father’s house and start anew. Ethan became a constant presence in my life, offering comfort and support. We found solace in each other’s company, and I began to heal from the wounds inflicted by those I trusted. A week later, I returned to my father’s house, where the apple tree was in full bloom, symbolizing new beginnings. Ethan was there, waiting for me, and together we embarked on a journey of healing and discovery.
